Mackay praises Bluebirds' tough run

Cardiff manager Malky Mackay hailed his team's battling qualities after they continued to do it the hard way in the Carling Cup.

The Bluebirds sealed their passage into the fourth round following a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over npower Championship rivals Leicester. Mackay's men scored all seven spot-kicks, including Paul Quinn's well-taken winner after Gelson Fernandes had blazed over for the Foxes.

The win puts Cardiff, who also needed extra-time in previous round successes over Oxford United and Huddersfield Town, into the last 16 of the competition. Cardiff manager Mackay said: "We've already been in extra-time in this competition twice this season so I'm delighted to get through again."

He added: "The technique of the penalties was fantastic and it's great to beat an experienced team and manager in front of our own fans. It's a special win.

"I was delighted with the way the team applied themselves. They showed togetherness and it made the difference. It's great to have players who have individual talents, but you need players who run hard, cover for each other and are honest. It makes for a good dressing room."

In normal time, Steve Howard and Lloyd Dyer scored for Leicester while Don Cowie and Rudy Gestede netted for the hosts to set up an extra half-hour. The additional time could not separate the sides and the contest continued to be equal for the first 12 penalties before Fernandes eventually missed.

But Leicester boss Eriksson refused to blame the former Manchester City midfielder for his miss.

Eriksson said: "Penalties are not Gelson's business. When you get to the seventh taker and you have already used your three substitutes then you are coming to those players who normally don't take them.

"He will have forgotten about the penalty in the next 24 hours. I have lost many penalty shoot-outs before in my managerial career and it's a pity to lose.

"We did make a lot of changes, but I felt we were the better team and would go through. It was a good performance from the players who came in and they should all be proud of their display."

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